NFL draft

Clemson OT: Top prospects should decline workout invites

An ACL injury to Clemson OT Brandon Thomas during a pre-draft workout with the New Orleans Saints caused ripple effects throughout the NFL draft process. Thomas’ injury was believed to be part of the reason Jadeveon Clowney’s agents pulled the No. 1 overall prospect from individual team workouts. Others began to question whether or not individual workouts with teams are even necessary.

A player of Thomas’ caliber can make an argument they’re not needed.

“If you been through the combine, your pro day, all-star games, there really isn’t a need for it,” Thomas told USA TODAY Sports. “I’m not saying this because I got hurt. When I think back, it’s not really needed. They see your film. They saw me at Senior Bowl practices. There really isn’t a need for it for a prospect that’s going to go higher than the rest, like Clowney. For other guys that didn’t get the spotlight and weren’t put out there, that’s an opportunity to show what they have.

“Once you go through everything, all the coach needs to see is what type of character you have and your knowledge of the game by putting you on the board.”

Thomas, a potential second- or third-round pick prior to the injury, put together a strong senior season and was named First-Team All-ACC. He held his own during Reese’s Senior Bowl practices. And he completed a full workout at the NFL combine in Indianapolis.

While Thomas’ injury was unfortunate, it’s more of a fluke than any type of regular occurrence. In recent years, pre-draft injury were mainly sustained during the training process or other activities and not during team workouts. In fact, Thomas didn’t even know he suffered a major injury while working his way through a simple bag drill. At the time, his only thought was finishing his workout with the Saints.

“I thought I was just hearing things, and I was going to try and finish the workout,” Thomas said. “In my mind, the knee just gave away and it was nothing serious. After the workout, I went to the training room. Nothing seemed like it was really wrong with my knee. I found out it was torn the next day. They didn’t tell me it was torn until I got an MRI.”

Thomas had surgery Wednesday, April 23, nearly three weeks after the injury occurred. His projected return date is Oct. 1.

Despite the unfortunate turn of events, Thomas sees a silver lining to his current situation.

“If I didn’t get hurt, I was expected to start early. This situation can help me too,” Thomas said. “I can learn from the older guys and the playbook. It will give me time to learn the ropes, get situated and get accustomed to the whole atmosphere of the NFL.”

Thomas’ agent, Joe Linta, told the Q he sees this as an opportunity for NFL owners’ to get together and discuss the possibility of providing comprehensive coverage for the players throughout the draft process.

Even after the injury, Thomas shouldn’t be too concerned about his draft status. He and his representation only expect it to cost him a round or two, and there’s little difference between what a third-round selection makes compared to a player picked in the fourth round.

The Q still ranks Thomas as a fourth-round prospect due to his natural ability and long-term potential. Teams, particularly those that can wait a year before Thomas is fully healthy, will still be interested.

The biggest question surrounding Thomas prior to being injured was whether he would play tackle or guard in the NFL. A two-year starter at left tackle for Clemson, Thomas displays the level of footwork and technique needed to remain at the position. At 6-3, more teams are looking at him to develop into a guard, though.

“A couple teams want me to play tackle,” Thomas said. “Others want me to play guard. Some teams even want me to start out at tackle and eventually move to guard. It all depends on the team and what they need. I think teams know I can play most positions well.

“The majority, though, look at me as a guard because of my height. But I feel more comfortable at tackle right now only because I played there the last two years. The technique and footwork is there for me right now.”